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Fifty years ago, a city with a rich history of art, culture and philanthropy opened the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the center of civic and cultural vitality.
Since 1987, the Van Wezel Foundation has partnered with the City of Sarasota to foster a connection between the city, the people, the bay and the spirit of human creativity. Through this collaboration and the generosity of donors, the Foundation has provided grants of more than $14 million to ensure arts education training for more than 400 teachers and arts education programming to more than 30,000 students and at-risk youth across four counties each year.
The mission of the Van Wezel Foundation is to create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education and inspires young minds.
VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 – 2021
Van Wezel Foundation Board Leadership:
Jim Travers
Board Chair*
Jenne Britell
Board Vice-Chair & Chair of Strategic Planning Committee*
Van Wezel Foundation Board Members:
Ali Bahaj
Chair of Governance Committee*
Gerald L. Biller
Chad Campbell
Vern Chalfant
Board Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee*
Mark P. Famiglio
Julie Harris
Board Secretary*
David Koffman
Michael Martella
Elaine McClure
Karl Newkirk
Nanci Ross-Weaver
Chair of Arts Education & Community Engagement Committee*
Charlie Wilson
Mike Wilson
Van Wezel Foundation Ex Officio Board Members:
Mary Bensel
Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Cheryl Mendelson
CEO, Van Wezel Foundation
*Executive Committee
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Darrell Ayers
Adam Carmer
Jackie Griese
Stephen Griese
Roxzene Hunter
Michael Kneeland
Ed Maier
Peter Powers
Tracey Reid
Drayton Saunders
Jim Schaffner
Craig Steinhoff
Janet Walter
Christopher Weaver
Patricia White
Janet Winkler
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Herta Cuneo†
John M. Dart
Beatrice Friedman†
John Jakes
Carolyn Michel
Michael R. Pender, Jr.
† deceased
STAFF
Cheryl Mendelson
Chief Executive Officer
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Susan McCreary
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
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Tracey Long Beeker
Director Communications & Community Engagement
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Sasha Hausman
Director of Development
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Suzanne Hudson-Smith
Associate Director of Leadership Gifts
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Nancy Denton
Annual Giving Manager
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Cathleen Mai
Administration Manager
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Alyssa Holcomb
Foundation Coordinator
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777 North Tamiami Trail, 3rd Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236
Van Wezel Foundation © 2019 All rights reserved – Web Design by Grapevine Communications. Meets all requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. A copy of the official registration #CH3676 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
